Why my father defended hijab right – Late Adetola-Kaseem’s first son

Muslim students have visited the family members of late Alhaji AdbulGaniy Adetola-Kaseem (SAN) to sympathise with them over the death of the legal icon and human right promoter.

Adetola-Kaseem (SAN), who was the lead counsel on the long-running hijab case in Lagos State, died early Monday morning at AB Specialist Hospital, Surulere after a brief illness.

The students, under the aegis of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, Lagos State Area Unit, earlier joined hundreds of Muslims in the janazah (burial) of the deceased on Monday.

When the students, who were led by Amir (President) of the MSSN in Lagos State, Dr. Saheed Ashafa, visited the family on Wednesday, they eulogised the virtues of the deceased.

They described him as an illustrious and enigmatic personality, adding that his sacrificial life was worthy of emulation.

During the visitation, the first son of late Adetola-Kaseem, Ibrahim, commended the students for their support and loyalty to his father.
He explained that the deceased was always proud to be identified with MSSN when alive, noting that he encouraged all his children to be members.
Speaking on the role of his father played in the hijab case in Lagos State, Ibrahim said, “The fight for hijab should not be perceived from religion perspective, it is a fight for humanity. Baba has always been a lover of MSSN and I can testify to the impact of MSSN in our (Adetola-Kaseem’s children) lives. MSSN simply teaches humanity how to be successful on earth and in the hereafter.
“In the last interview that was granted by my father before his death, he made it clear that his defence of the hijab is not religious but a cause for humanity. MSSN in Lagos State has obviously shown that it is not retrogressive and it encourages hard work; that is why you can find a Ph.D holder as its leader.”
Speaking earlier, Dr. Ashafa urged members of the Adetola-Kaseem’s family to maintain the legacies of the deceased.
He said, “Adetola-Kaseem’s life was well spent, it is those of us living that should ensure that our lives are also well spent. I implore members of his family not to do anything that will jeopardise the symbols that he stood for when he was alive.
“With the passing away of this defender of the rule of law and justice, a quintessential personality, brilliant, dogged, indefatigable, and relentless promoter of human rights, who dedicated his adult life to the cause of humanity and oppressed, it is an understatement to say the MSSN and Muslims in general have suffered a back-breaking subtraction that would be difficult to replenish for a very long time.
“Apart from the religious sphere, Nigeria and especially the legal profession have indeed lost an illustrious and enigmatic personality. Quite evident is the fact that in spite of all that he had been able to accomplish in his fulfilled life in the course of his practice as a lawyer and other selfless activities, he remained an epitome of modesty and humility, who never looked down on anybody.”